Q&A: Doctor talks about the outbreak and its potential to become a pandemic

The swine influenza outbreak continues to grow in the United States. The Centers for Disease and Control Prevention reported 64 confirmed cases of swine flu, up from 40 cases reported Monday, and one death has been reporter.

The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, MA

Writer

Posted Apr. 29, 2009 at 12:01 AM
Updated Apr 29, 2009 at 12:46 AM

Posted Apr. 29, 2009 at 12:01 AM
Updated Apr 29, 2009 at 12:46 AM

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The swine influenza outbreak continues to grow in the United States. The Centers for Disease and Control Prevention reported 64 confirmed cases of swine flu, up from 40 cases reported Monday, and one death has been reporter.

Dr. Chinhak Chun, chief of infectious disease at MetroWest Medical Center in Framingham, Mass., talks about the outbreak and its potential to become a pandemic.

Q: How likely is it that the outbreak will continue to grow in the U.S.?

A: It's very likely that it will spread to multiple states. It's already happening. We're doubling the cases every day. First, there were 8, then 20, then 40, and now more than 60. I wouldn't be surprised if large states begin reporting cases in the next few days.

Q: Are we close to a pandemic?

A: It has the potential to become a pandemic for four reasons. First, it's a very new virus. Secondly, it's occurring simultaneously on different parts of the planet. Thirdly, it's attacking a very strange group of people, young adults, and not the very old or the very young. And last, it's happening in an off-season. It's not flu season. That's why epidemiologists are very worried.

Q: Why is it that the cases of swine flu in the United States haven't been as severe as the cases in Mexico, where nearly 150 people have died?

A: You can make your guess, but our educated guess is that patients in the United States received treatment and antiviral medications quicker than in Mexico, where the medications may have not been readily available. We may be seeing an artificially low mortality in the United States.

Q: Over the past decade we've seen several global health scares. Why is that?

A: There was an influenza pandemic in 1918. It's not new, but we're seeing more cases of large scale infections because of the ease of travel and transportation. One disease can be spread to another continent in a matter of hours. It's the change of lifestyle.

Q: How can the flu actually kill someone?

A: Influenza can cause deaths in several ways. A patient can die of a secondary infection. The virus destroys the immune system, can cause respiratory infections and multiple organ failure.

Q: What's anyone to do to prevent getting swine flu?

A: First, keeping your hands clean is the most important thing to do. Second, cover your mouth when you cough. Third, avoid travel to the states where swine flu has been confirmed. And if you have flu-like symptoms, call your physician. Don't go to the emergency room, where care can be compromised. And last, don't panic. There is no shortage of medications in the state. We have plenty of medicine, masks, gloves. We have plenty of everything.